Zelensky Confirms Ongoing Fighting Despite Putin's Easter Truce

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-04-20 06:59:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-04 00:00:34

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"The war doesn't stop on holidays," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, acknowledging the continuation of conflict despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration of a 36-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter. This supposed truce, timed to coincide with Orthodox Easter celebrations, was announced by the Kremlin and purportedly began at noon Moscow time on Friday. However, reports from the front lines paint a different picture, one of continued shelling and fighting, dashing hopes for a respite from the violence.

Zelensky, in his nightly address to the nation, confirmed the ongoing hostilities, stating that Ukraine had witnessed and experienced the Russian "truce." He pointedly noted the dissonance between Russia's pronouncements and their actions on the ground. While acknowledging the significance of Easter for Orthodox Christians, a holiday centered on peace and resurrection, Zelensky emphasized the grim reality that the war continued unabated. He highlighted the suffering of Ukrainians, particularly those in heavily bombarded areas like Bakhmut, where the promised peace remained elusive.

Despite the ongoing fighting, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to also observing the Easter truce. He further proposed extending the ceasefire beyond the initial 36-hour period proposed by Russia, suggesting a longer period of respite could offer a genuine opportunity for de-escalation and a path toward a more lasting peace. This proposal, offered against the backdrop of continued Russian attacks, underscores Ukraine's commitment to seeking peace even amidst ongoing conflict.

The international community has largely viewed Putin's truce announcement with skepticism, given Russia's previous disregard for similar ceasefires. The continued fighting reported throughout Ukraine only reinforces these doubts, raising questions about the sincerity of the Kremlin's pronouncements. Reports from various international news agencies detail continued shelling and military engagements in multiple regions, despite the supposed ceasefire.

This unfulfilled truce underscores the deep chasm between the two sides and the formidable challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution. While the world observes Orthodox Easter, the stark reality in Ukraine is one of continued conflict and uncertainty. The prospect of a prolonged war looms large, with no clear end in sight, casting a long shadow over the hopes for peace and a return to normalcy for the people of Ukraine. Zelensky's commitment to upholding the truce, even as fighting persists, stands as a testament to his enduring hope for peace, even in the face of continued adversity. The future of Ukraine, and the path towards a resolution, remain uncertain.

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